When you can’t decide between a cheesesteak and a sloppy joe, why not have both? Enter the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, a mashup that brings the best of both worlds to your dinner table. It’s cheesy, messy in the best way, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you expect.
This recipe is weeknight gold: all the flavor of a Philly cheesesteak without the fuss, made in one skillet and ready in under 30 minutes. Think tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, a savory sauce that clings just right, and a blanket of melty provolone cheese piled onto soft buns. Comfort food? Absolutely. Effortless? You bet.
Whether you’re cooking for family, game day, or just yourself on a night when you want something indulgent but easy, these sloppy joes hit every craving. Get your napkins ready, this one’s deliciously messy.
If you’re craving something rich and indulgent, try our Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta, tender steak bites tossed with pasta in a luscious garlic butter sauce.
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Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe
This isn’t just another sloppy joe variation, it’s a full-on comfort food upgrade. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weeknight rotation:
Quick & Easy
You get all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without dealing with thinly sliced ribeye or special equipment. Ground beef does the heavy lifting, and dinner’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Budget-Friendly
Cheesesteaks can get pricey, but this version stretches affordable ground beef into a meal that feeds the whole family, with flavor that feels just as indulgent.
Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser
It’s cheesy, savory, and a little messy, in other words, everything kids and adults love in a dinner. Serve it on toasted buns and watch plates come back empty.
Flexible & Customizable
Want to go classic with provolone? Or melty American? Maybe sneak in mushrooms or spice it up with jalapeños? This recipe is forgiving and fun to make your own.
Bottom line: It’s got the heart of Philly and the charm of a sloppy joe, a win-win on any table.
Want a set-it-and-forget-it dinner? Our Crockpot Tuscan Garlic Chicken is slow-cooked to perfection in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
You don’t need a mile-long grocery list to pull this off. Just a handful of simple ingredients come together to recreate that cheesy, savory cheesesteak magic in sloppy joe form.
The Base
- Ground beef – 85/15 works best for flavor without too much grease. (Or try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.)
- Onion – Classic yellow onion, finely chopped for sweetness.
- Green bell pepper – Adds crunch and that iconic cheesesteak flavor.
- Mushrooms (optional) – For a more authentic Philly touch.
The Sauce
- Beef broth – Creates a juicy, savory base.
- Worcestershire sauce – Brings umami depth.
- Ketchup – Adds a little sweetness and binds the sauce.
- Cornstarch slurry – Thickens everything so it clings to the meat.
The Finishing Touch
- Provolone cheese – The classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks (but American or mozzarella also work).
- Hoagie rolls or hamburger buns – Sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy, saucy goodness.
That’s it. Nothing fancy, just smart, simple ingredients doing their job really, really well.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes (Step-by-Step)
This recipe comes together in one skillet, making cleanup as easy as the cooking. Here’s how to get from stovetop to table in under 30 minutes.
1. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
2. Sauté the Veggies
Add chopped onion, green pepper, and mushrooms (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce
Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the mixture thickens slightly, coating the beef and veggies.
4. Add the Cheese
Turn heat to low and stir in sliced provolone until melted and gooey, creating that classic cheesesteak creaminess.
5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto toasted buns or hoagie rolls. Serve hot with fries, chips, or a fresh salad on the side.
That’s it, a cheesesteak vibe with sloppy joe ease.
Recipe Tips & Variations for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
The best thing about this recipe? It’s endlessly adaptable. You can make it more authentic, more indulgent, or lighter depending on what you’re craving.
Cheese Swaps
- Provolone is the classic pick, but don’t be afraid to switch it up.
- American cheese melts beautifully for that diner-style ooze.
- Mozzarella or cheddar add a different twist if that’s what you have on hand.
Meat Options
- Go traditional with ground beef.
- Try ground chicken or turkey for a leaner spin.
- Use shaved ribeye or sirloin if you want to lean closer to a true Philly cheesesteak.
Flavor Boosters
- Add mushrooms for earthiness.
- Toss in jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Stir in a splash of beer while simmering for extra depth.
Bun Game
- Classic hoagie rolls give you the cheesesteak feel.
- Hamburger buns work great if that’s what’s in your pantry.
- Try toasting the bread with butter and garlic for an extra hit of flavor.
Messy, melty, cheesy and customizable to whatever’s in your fridge. That’s the beauty of a sloppy joe remix.
What to Serve With Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
These cheesy, saucy sandwiches are a meal on their own, but the right sides can turn them into a full spread. Whether you’re feeding the family or setting up for game day, here are a few perfect pairings:
Classic Comfort Pairings
- French fries – Regular, curly, or even sweet potato fries all soak up that extra cheesy sauce.
- Potato chips – Quick, crunchy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Fresh & Lighter Sides
- Crisp green salad – A simple mix of arugula or romaine with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Coleslaw – Creamy or vinegar-based, it adds crunch and tang to each bite.
Fun Add-Ons
- Pickles – Their acidity cuts through the cheesiness beautifully.
- Onion rings – Crispy, golden, and indulgent, perfect if you want to lean into comfort food vibes.
Pair it with a cold drink, plenty of napkins, and you’ve got yourself a meal worth repeating.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
One of the best things about sloppy joes? They reheat like a dream. You can easily double the recipe and enjoy them for days, or save a batch for a future dinner win.
Storing Leftovers
- Transfer the beef mixture to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Keep the filling and the buns separate so they don’t get soggy.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it feels too thick.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
- Oven: For a “freshly made” taste, reheat the filling, then assemble on toasted buns just before serving.
Freezing
- The beef mixture freezes well, just skip the cheese until reheating.
- Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and stir in cheese before serving.
With these tips, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes go from quick weeknight dinner to meal-prep superstar.
FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything (except the cheese) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3–4 hours. Stir in cheese before serving.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Provolone is the classic choice, but American, mozzarella, or even white cheddar all melt beautifully. Use what you love (or what you have on hand).
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap in gluten-free buns or hoagie rolls, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and broth are certified gluten-free.
How do I make it spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or add jalapeños, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, both are great leaner alternatives. You may want to add a little extra Worcestershire or seasoning to boost the flavor.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes are the kind of recipe that hit every craving at once, cheesy, savory, and just messy enough to feel fun. They’ve got all the flavor of a classic cheesesteak, wrapped up in the easy, family-friendly format of a sloppy joe.
Ready in under 30 minutes, made in one skillet, and endlessly customizable, this dish proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to make a meal worth remembering. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner, a casual party, or game day, one thing’s certain: they’ll disappear fast.
So grab the buns, melt the cheese, and dig in, because some recipes are just too good not to get a little messy.
Hungry for more quick and cheesy dinners? Follow us on Pinterest for comfort food recipes you’ll want to save and share.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion, green pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat and stir in provolone cheese until melted and creamy.
- Spoon mixture onto toasted hoagie rolls or buns. Serve hot with fries, chips, or salad.
